In a joint briefing at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken disclosed a significant investment of $8.3 billion by the United States in Nigeria’s health sector.
This substantial commitment spans initiatives focused on HIV, tuberculosis prevention, care, treatment, and the overall strengthening of Nigeria’s public health system.
During the briefing, which included Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to advancing engagement in Africa. He revealed a targeted plan to generate an additional $55 billion in private sector investment in Africa, highlighting that progress has already reached 40% within the past year.
Blinken stated, “When we had the Africa Leaders’ Summit, hosted by President Biden, one of the commitments we made was to generate an additional $55 billion in private sector investment in Africa over the next three years. Well, here we are one year after the summit, and we are 40% of the way to achieving that goal.” He projected reaching 70% of the investment goal within the next two years based on the current trajectory.
Highlighting the enduring commitment to Nigeria’s health sector, Blinken emphasized, “Over the last five years, we’ve invested $8.3 billion in HIV tuberculosis prevention, care and treatment, and in strengthening the public health system, reaching millions of Nigerians, and that effort will continue.”
Blinken also acknowledged the ongoing work in public health initiated by President Bush and continued by successive U.S. administrations. He noted that these efforts have already saved over 20 million lives on the African continent.
“Our partnership is also strengthening Nigerian institutions to innovate and lead the region’s public health response to tomorrow’s dimensions. The Lagos will get a chance to visit the Institute of Medical Research here in Nigeria,” he added.
This collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria is aimed at fostering advancements in public health, contributing significantly to the well-being of the Nigerian population. The strategic investment underscores the commitment to addressing critical health challenges and supporting Nigeria in its journey toward a robust and resilient healthcare system.
